Fee to file with the state
$35
Source: sosmt.gov, October 2026
LLC cost guide · Montana
Starting an LLC in Montana (2026): Official Costs and the 3 Best Services
Montana, 2026: Montana Registered Agent.co ($199), Mainstay Filing ($199) and Registered Agent MT.org ($199) come out on top for forming an LLC, in that sequence. Montana asks $35 at formation, then $20 every year when the annual report is filed. Ranked by three-year state fees, it is 5th of 50.
The Montana fee sheet
5th
on the 50-state list, three-year basis
The smaller the number, the less the state charges. Fifty states in one table
Montana: our recommendations
Five criteria set the order, led by three-year service charges and the filings covered; the methodology has the weights.
1. Montana Registered Agent.co: best for Montana LLCs on a tight budget
$199 to form, then $99 yearly
Montana Registered Agent.co takes the top place, as formation at $199 over the state fee, then the agent at $99 from year two.
Cost settles this ranking: three years with this service cost less than three years with Mainstay Filing.
Its price leaves out the annual report, which you would send in yourself every year.
What the price buys
- The Montana formation prepared and filed
- First year of agent service
In its favor
- $199 plus the state fee
- A $99 renewal
- Nothing more to pay for the agent in year one
Against it
- The annual report is not covered
- The EIN application is outside the price ($99)
2. Mainstay Filing: best for an LLC that runs itself on paper
$199 a year on top of the $35 state fee
Our second pick, Mainstay Filing, earns its place since for $199 a year it files the Montana formation, serves as registered agent and prepares the annual report, with a renewal price of $199.
That $200 difference against Montana Registered Agent.co across three years is what keeps it from first place.
The annual report is filed by Mainstay, with Montana's $20 charge passed through unmarked.
What the price buys
- Your formation is prepared and filed
- Registered agent duties covered all year
- Your annual report is prepared and sent in
- Your EIN application goes in with the rest
- State charges come through at cost
In its favor
- The EIN application is handled too
- An all-in $199 a year
- Renews at $199
Against it
- Montana Registered Agent.co's renewal is $100 smaller
3. Registered Agent MT.org: best for a smaller agent renewal
$199 to form, then $99 yearly
Registered Agent MT.org comes after that: formation at $199 over the state fee, then the agent at $99 from year two.
Its price leaves out the annual report, which you would send in yourself every year.
Montana Registered Agent.co charges the same.
What the price buys
- The Montana formation prepared and filed
- First year of agent service
In its favor
- Nothing more to pay for the agent in year one
- $199 plus the state fee
- A $99 renewal
Against it
- The annual report is not covered
- The EIN application is outside the price ($99)
The 3 picks at a glance
| No. | Service | First-year fee | From year two | Service charges, three years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana Registered Agent.co | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit Montana Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $199/yr | $597 | Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | Registered Agent MT.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit Registered Agent MT.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
Every price was copied from its company's page on November 12, 2026. Every row needs the $35 state fee added.
What an LLC costs in Montana over time
Pick a number of years and a service. The state portion follows the official schedule: $35 to form, then the annual report from year two.
Montana next to the states ranked around it
| Place | State | Three-year state fees |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Missouri | $50 |
| 1st | New Mexico | $50 |
| 5th | Montana | $75 |
| 6th | Hawaii | $76 |
| 7th | Iowa | $80 |
LLC costs by state lists every state, least expensive first.
Montana LLC filing fee and form (official source)
The Articles of Organization goes to the Montana Secretary of State together with $35; the authority is Mont. Code Ann. § 35-8-201. It is billed at cost by every service below.
Annual report: price and timing
Every year the LLC sends in the annual report, paying $20, on or before April 15. A late report brings a $15 charge.
Why the list reads this way
Three-year service charge decided first place in Montana. It counts for 34% of the score; the remaining criteria are paperwork the price takes on, year-two price, match to the state's calendar, fee labeling.
Choosing Montana Registered Agent.co costs $397 in service fees across three years ($200 below Mainstay Filing).
Montana: common questions
How much does the state charge to start an LLC in Montana?
$35 is paid to the state. Budget $199 if a service files for you.
What fee goes with the Montana annual report?
$20 every year, filed April 15. A late filing adds $15.
Where does Montana stand on LLC fees?
Montana is 5th of 50 for three-year state fees, at $75; the smallest bill ranks first.
Does Montana require a registered agent?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Which LLC services are recommended on this page?
Montana Registered Agent.co ($199), Mainstay Filing ($199) and Registered Agent MT.org ($199), beginning with our first choice.
Which service should file my LLC?
Montana Registered Agent.co, because $199 plus the state fee, first agent year included, then $99 a year. Behind it come Mainstay Filing and Registered Agent MT.org.
Sources for this chapter
- Montana Secretary of State fee page and fee comes from sosmt.gov; page opened October 2026
- Montana yearly filing: Annual report: fee, official source comes from sosmt.gov; page opened October 2026
- Montana yearly filing: Annual report: fee, official source comes from sosmt.gov; page opened October 2026
- Montana report due date comes from mca.legmt.gov; page opened August 2026
- Mont comes from mca.legmt.gov; page opened August 2026
- Montana formation fee: Filing fee, official source comes from sosmt.gov; page opened October 2026
- Montana registered agent statute comes from mca.legmt.gov; page opened October 2026
- RSMo 347.037 comes from revisor.mo.gov; page opened August 2026
- Missouri formation fee: Filing fee, official source comes from sos.mo.gov; page opened October 2026
- NMSA 1978, § 53-19-7 and § 53-19-8 comes from nmonesource.com; page opened August 2026
- Hawaii formation fee: Filing fee, official source comes from cca.hawaii.gov; page opened October 2026
- Hawaii formation fee: Filing fee, official source comes from cca.hawaii.gov; page opened October 2026
- Hawaii DCCA Business Registration Division release of July comes from cca.hawaii.gov; page opened October 2026
- Hawaii yearly filing: Annual report: fee, official source comes from files.hawaii.gov; page opened October 2026
- Iowa Code § 489.201 comes from legis.iowa.gov; page opened August 2026
- Iowa formation fee: Filing fee, official source comes from legis.iowa.gov; page opened October 2026
- Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services Division comes from help.sos.iowa.gov; page opened August 2026
- Iowa Secretary of State, Business Services Division comes from help.sos.iowa.gov; page opened August 2026
- Montana Registered Agent.co lists its pricing page; we copied it November 12, 2026
- Mainstay Filing lists its Montana service page; we copied it November 12, 2026
- Registered Agent MT.org lists its pricing page; we copied it November 12, 2026